Logic says that Daschle cannot perform the functions of HHS

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

He himself admitted that conflicts of interest would arise in areas of interest involving former clients of his and that he would recuse himself when this happened.

One of his former clients is United Health, one of the very largest providers with tentacles everywhere in the industry and throughout Medicare. There is not one area of healthcare and health insurance that United Healthcare would not be a party to. Therefore, Daschle would have to recuse himself almost 100% of the time.

If he does not recuse himself, he would be acting under the cloud of a clear conflict of interest he has already admitted to.

And that is why he cannot be Secretary of HHS.

[Metta]

1. He's as compromised as they come. Another bad choice.

Where is Obama's head?

[Mz Pip]

4. I agree with you on this

Daschle needs to withdraw for the good of the administration. He withheld information and now is digging his heels in to keep the appointment.

The honorable thing to do would be to withdraw.

[Metta]

11. Looks as if our prayers are answered.

:toast:

[williesgirl]

2. He needs to withdraw and NOW. rec'd

[demokatgurrl]

3. I HATE this selection. Why not Howard Dean for the post?

Surely people already dug into his private information when he ran for president. And he's been a health care advocate for a long time. Of course he may be too progressive for the current administration, which is starting to look like Repub Lite.

[devilgrrl]

5. Tom Daschle is one of the most spineless men alive.

Not a fan.

[Still Sensible]

6. He needs to step aside now. n/t

[ixion]

7. Personally, I feel he's a horrible choice, for this reason and others

He should withdraw.

[onehandle]

8. So you have a problem with President Obama?

Obama knew this stuff up front.

What does this say about President Obama?

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

9. Every one can make a mistake. It's how you deal with the mistake

that counts. I think Obama has a very strong relationship with Tom Daschle. But I would argue that Obama has shown more loyalty to Daschle than Daschle has shown to Obama, particularly when he hid his tax issues. Daschle had to have known that a stink would arise, but he counted on Senate cronyism to carry him through. I'm sure he didn't realize that Geithner and Kellifer would also be contributing to the tax stink, maximizing his own problem.

I don't know if Obama knew of all the healthcare ties or not or perhaps they appear larger than they really are. I read somewhere that there were people in the White House who were very upset about it, and that kind of makes it sound like it's something new. Not knowing, I cannot say.

I'm not giving up on Obama and I have high hopes. But I think that he will learn to disengage from a losing situation sooner rather than later if he sees his agenda threatened. Like I said earlier, I think Daschle breached any claim to loyalty by hiding the tax issue.

[MiniMe]

10. And Daschle just withdrew. Breaking on CNN

I'm happy about this. Now, let's see how this turns out.